Predictions: Watches & Wonders 2025

[KatGirl]

Originally Posted by espanol

Solid gold explorer 1.

I hope not! Even the two tone was a little much on this reference, IMO. It’s a watch that’s meant to be toolish and sporty, not fancy!

Kat


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[espanol]

Originally Posted by KatGirl

I hope not! Even the two tone was a little much on this reference, IMO. It’s a watch that’s meant to be toolish and sporty, not fancy!

Kat


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Admittedly never understood this stance, as Rolex has made multiple submariners in full PM and TT. Sub is the ultimate Rolex tool watch, while an Explorer is merely a field watch. Certainly not more of a tool than a Sub.

[marmite2005]

Unfortunately I second a Solid gold Explorer 1 as pictured in this mock up from last years predictions.

Look how awesome it is, especially for smaller wrists!!

If it happens, it's at the top of my list. I don't believe it will happen tho.


Sent from my LE2113 using Tapatalk

[espanol]

Originally Posted by marmite2005

Unfortunately I second a Solid gold Explorer 1 as pictured in this mock up from last years predictions.

Look how awesome it is, especially for smaller wrists!!

If it happens, it's at the top of my list. I don't believe it will happen tho.


Sent from my LE2113 using Tapatalk

I'm with you, I would definitely be interested in that watch. Never been a solid gold guy but that watch looks great.

[omar10213245]

Originally Posted by marmite2005

Unfortunately I second a Solid gold Explorer 1 as pictured in this mock up from last years predictions.

Look how awesome it is, especially for smaller wrists!!

If it happens, it's at the top of my list. I don't believe it will happen tho.


Sent from my LE2113 using Tapatalk

If this happens, I will be at my A.D. that day to ask for it, like...

[7enderbender]

Originally Posted by pigman08

Discontinue the black/gray GMT.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I actually kinda like that one. And defiantly don’t want to see a bump to 41mm as OP called for.
If anything, it would be cool to see something along the lines of the Tudor GMT at 39mm and coke bezel.

[Isoflur]

Originally Posted by SkyDFan

Something in red.

WG Submariner with red ceramic bezel
SS Submariner Hulk in RED. (new nickname - Hell Boy)
Red dial Daytona on OF in RG,YG,WG.

Aubergine DJ 41 and new DJ colors in general.
New Oysterflex straps for other models (Sub,GMT)
New Oysterflex colors for all watches available with Oysterflex.

Oh I like your last idea, choice for colour OF would be interesting.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[hl0m4n]

thanks to our friends at coronet, release time:

April 1st, 2025
11:30 PM PST (March 31)
2:30 AM EST
8:30 AM CST

[Oxfordian]

Originally Posted by espanol

Admittedly never understood this stance, as Rolex has made multiple submariners in full PM and TT. Sub is the ultimate Rolex tool watch, while an Explorer is merely a field watch. Certainly not more of a tool than a Sub.

No watch made by Rolex is a tool watch, they are far too expensive to be classed as tool watches.

The Submariner I have just sold through the CPO program had white gold hands and markers, a ceramic bezel, all of which are hardly the fixtures and fittings of a 'tool watch'.

I would ask why people believe that the concept of 'Tool Watches' within the Rolex catalogue even exists today.

[INC]

Originally Posted by Oxfordian

No watch made by Rolex is a tool watch, they are far too expensive to be classed as tool watches.

I do not think it is an oxymoron: Rolex is an expensive tool watch. The fact that more and more "jewelry" Rolexes are being made does not change the fact that an OP, for example, is nothing more than a robust, well-made tool watch. It doesn't want to be anything else. Their price does not depend on knowledge, quality, or even cost, but on artificial hype.

From my perspective, today's most sought-after Rolex models have no notable special features other than keeping time fairly accurately, even in harsh conditions. However, in my opinion, this is the exact definition of a tool watch, which tells the exact time, and this is its most important skill. And in my opinion this does not change the fact that they are unrealistically overpriced compared to watches that can do the same or more, but just do not have a crown on their dial.

[espanol]

Originally Posted by Oxfordian

No watch made by Rolex is a tool watch, they are far too expensive to be classed as tool watches.

The Submariner I have just sold through the CPO program had white gold hands and markers, a ceramic bezel, all of which are hardly the fixtures and fittings of a 'tool watch'.

I would ask why people believe that the concept of 'Tool Watches' within the Rolex catalogue even exists today.

I tend to agree. Using a mechanical watch as a primary form of time telling during a technical task would be for novelty, given today's tech.

I was merely pointing out to KatGirl (I think) that to claim an Explorer is too much of a tool watch to make full PM is also nonsensical. Rolex has been making diving watches in full YG for quite some time, which are by far Rolex's most tool-inspired instrument. The Explorer 1 is merely a field watch with a single seconds-hand complication...

[Car32]

Originally Posted by Son Goku

This would be a fantastic addition, but I think it makes more sense on the Daytona. Would love to see this.

should be on every oyster flex model

[Maleg]

Originally Posted by Oxfordian

No watch made by Rolex is a tool watch, they are far too expensive to be classed as tool watches.

The Submariner I have just sold through the CPO program had white gold hands and markers, a ceramic bezel, all of which are hardly the fixtures and fittings of a 'tool watch'.

I would ask why people believe that the concept of 'Tool Watches' within the Rolex catalogue even exists today.

The SS watches are still tool watches.

The white gold hands and markers solved a long term corrosion issue with those components (look at the decay of vintage hands). It made them more durable. Same with the ceramic bezel. It's scratch resistant and not as prone to fading as the painted aluminum bezels. These improvements make the watch less prone to obvious wear over a lifetime of use.

If the watches were purely jewelry there would be no interest in durability. It would only be precious metals and bling. No need at all for a SS range.

Now, at the price of a new SS Rolex one might not be interested in treating them like a Timex, but that doesn't mean the watch can't be treated like Timex. It's still a durable watch that can be used by professionals of all industries in the course of their work.

[Oxfordian]

Originally Posted by INC

I do not think it is an oxymoron: Rolex is an expensive tool watch. The fact that more and more "jewelry" Rolexes are being made does not change the fact that an OP, for example, is nothing more than a robust, well-made tool watch. It doesn't want to be anything else. Their price does not depend on knowledge, quality, or even cost, but on artificial hype.

From my perspective, today's most sought-after Rolex models have no notable special features other than keeping time fairly accurately, even in harsh conditions. However, in my opinion, this is the exact definition of a tool watch, which tells the exact time, and this is its most important skill. And in my opinion this does not change the fact that they are unrealistically overpriced compared to watches that can do the same or more, but just do not have a crown on their dial.

If a Rolex is overpriced for what it does compared to another brand then hasn't Rolex passed beyond the realm of any of its watches being a proper tool watch?

The Submariner of 2025 is a very nice, extremely well made watch that will do the job that it is designed for but then so will a Seiko for 1/10th of the price, thus by definition the Seiko is the tool watch whilst the Rolex is a piece of functional jewellery?

A Hamilton Khaki field watch will function just as well as the Explorer in that role but again at a fraction of the cost. Which is the tool watch and which the functional jewellery?

A few decades back the need for a robust, accurate, reliable watch in a number of different fields was huge and Rolex filled that requirement beautifully.

But over the years Rolex has gradually moved away from this field, nowadays it provides desirable and expensive watches, which whilst they are beautifully made and can function in the role that they are marketed for, it is doubtful whether more than 1% of the Rolex watches sold in 2025 will actually be used in the field that they were designed for.

To bring the 'tool watch' tag to a Submariner, a watch costing over 1/5th of the average salary for the UK, is frankly bonkers. Sure a well healed owner may consider it a tool watch with its brushed finish and connection to the watches of yesteryear but in 2025, it is a very very nice and very expensive piece of wrist jewellery.

[Oxfordian]

Originally Posted by Maleg

The SS watches are still tool watches.

The white gold hands and markers solved a long term corrosion issue with those components (look at the decay of vintage hands). It made them more durable. Same with the ceramic bezel. It's scratch resistant and not as prone to fading as the painted aluminum bezels. These improvements make the watch less prone to obvious wear over a lifetime of use.

If the watches were purely jewelry there would be no interest in durability. It would only be precious metals and bling. No need at all for a SS range.

Now, at the price of a new SS Rolex one might not be interested in treating them like a Timex, but that doesn't mean the watch can't be treated like Timex. It's still a durable watch that can be used by professionals of all industries in the course of their work.

No.

A Rolex has long passed the point of being a tool watch, it is very competent but expensive wrist jewellery.

Yes well healed owners can take their Submariners for a dive, Explorer II's can go caving etc etc, but in the real world there are other brands that now fill the role of being a tool watch.

A Rolex isn't used by professionals in all industries as they used to be, digital equipment now fill those roles, the SS Rolex on my wrist is simply jewellery irrespective of whether it has brushed links or polished links.

People aren't queuing at AD's all around the world to buy tool watches, they are trying to buy wrist jewellery, people don't buy these watches to match the job they do, they buy them because they want this jewellery on their wrists.

[Maleg]

Originally Posted by Oxfordian

If a Rolex is overpriced for what it does compared to another brand then hasn't Rolex passed beyond the realm of any of its watches being a proper tool watch?

The Submariner of 2025 is a very nice, extremely well made watch that will do the job that it is designed for but then so will a Seiko for 1/10th of the price, thus by definition the Seiko is the tool watch whilst the Rolex is a piece of functional jewellery?

A Hamilton Khaki field watch will function just as well as the Explorer in that role but again at a fraction of the cost. Which is the tool watch and which the functional jewellery?

A few decades back the need for a robust, accurate, reliable watch in a number of different fields was huge and Rolex filled that requirement beautifully.

But over the years Rolex has gradually moved away from this field, nowadays it provides desirable and expensive watches, which whilst they are beautifully made and can function in the role that they are marketed for, it is doubtful whether more than 1% of the Rolex watches sold in 2025 will actually be used in the field that they were designed for.

To bring the 'tool watch' tag to a Submariner, a watch costing over 1/5th of the average salary for the UK, is frankly bonkers. Sure a well healed owner may consider it a tool watch with its brushed finish and connection to the watches of yesteryear but in 2025, it is a very very nice and very expensive piece of wrist jewellery.

That Seiko won't be doing the job 50 years on, but the 2025 Sub will be working away as intended.

Rolex benefits financially from the aspirational nature of the brand and people's willingness to spend a lot of money to have one. But cost doesn't drop it out of consideration as a tool watch if the watch continues to function as a tool watch.

[WatchTimes]

Originally Posted by KatGirl

I hope not! Even the two tone was a little much on this reference, IMO. It’s a watch that’s meant to be toolish and sporty, not fancy!

Kat


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Id rather a YG 36 mm Exp over a TT one. I hate TT
A YG Exp would be a nice sporty alternative for those who want YG but don't have the wrist for a GMT II or Sub in YG

Heck this may be blasphemy but Id like to see a SS and/or YG blue dial Exp.
Not sure how it would actually look but Id like to see

[WatchTimes]

Originally Posted by marmite2005

Unfortunately I second a Solid gold Explorer 1 as pictured in this mock up from last years predictions.

Look how awesome it is, especially for smaller wrists!!

If it happens, it's at the top of my list. I don't believe it will happen tho.


Sent from my LE2113 using Tapatalk

I bought a SS M Cartier Santos last year and have been seriously debating a YG Santos but I have to admit if Rolex brought out a YG Exp I may consider it.

Two watches I bought last year and never looked at twice in almost 30 years of collecting are the Santos and 36 mm Exp both of which I bought on last night whims are actually two of my most worn watches these days

[mmbiker]

41mm GMT please! so it matches with my sub :)

[Karaez]

A 39mm 1655 revival would be great, that's what I'm rooting for.

[Harry-57]

Originally Posted by Maleg

The SS watches are still tool watches.

The white gold hands and markers solved a long term corrosion issue with those components (look at the decay of vintage hands). It made them more durable. Same with the ceramic bezel. It's scratch resistant and not as prone to fading as the painted aluminum bezels. These improvements make the watch less prone to obvious wear over a lifetime of use.

Agreed. They have transitioned into higher quality tool watches with prices to match. The crossover point of utility to jewelry isn't price. Lots of high quality tools cost large amounts of money.

[Tritto]

Originally Posted by Maleg

That Seiko won't be doing the job 50 years on, but the 2025 Sub will be working away as intended.

Rolex benefits financially from the aspirational nature of the brand and people's willingness to spend a lot of money to have one. But cost doesn't drop it out of consideration as a tool watch if the watch continues to function as a tool watch.

I have plenty of 50yo Seikos that are still working well and will pass a pressure test (well, those that I've done the gaskets on).


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Flint]

I also would love to see all gold Explorer 1, looks fabulous

[John Doyle]

Two-tone Explorer 2 coming this year.

[Rolexspain]

-OP Celebration disappears
-The Batman and Pepsi disappears leaving the Pepsi colors only for full white gold.
-New colors of datejust (purple?)

[Gunnersaurus]

Originally Posted by Rolexspain

-OP Celebration disappears
-The Batman and Pepsi disappears leaving the Pepsi colors only for full white gold.
-New colors of datejust (purple?)

Can’t see the only option for the steel gmt being the boring black and grey model.

[hojlund]

discontinue all daytona, submariner and gmt steel models.

[SS Oyster]

Updates:
1. Glidelock of some form all watches
2. Quick release bracelets starting with (gasp) the Submariner, and ADs can sell three options (oyster, jubilee, OF).

Discontinued models:
1. Meteorite dials - all material DD and WG GMT
2. All BLRO GMTs

New models:
1. Meteorite dial on RG GMT (only model in Rolex lineup with Gibeon dial)
2. Platinum GMT Master II (70th Anniversary) with light blue / dark blue bezel and ice-blue dial on presidential bracelet!!!!!
3. GMT Master II “Coke” red/black bezel on oyster or jubilee bracelet.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Chefinspecteur]

Platinum Deepsea Challenge with ice-blue bezel

[alphadweller]

Navy blue Sub41 ND, please.